Humble K9

John, Bri, and the whole team at HumbleK9 have truly changed our lives – not an exaggeration. We were lucky enough to connect with them after adopting a rescue who was scared, anxious, and insecure. They helped us figure out how to give our dog the best life possible while also creating the best possible situation for ourselves in the process. They taught all of us, patiently and calmly, without ever judging us – and we watched our dynamic with our dog change before our eyes. Even long after the training technically ended, we have stayed in touch and they have become like family to us (and certainly to our pup). We cannot recommend them highly enough (and in fact, sing their praises to anyone who will listen).

I can’t write enough great things about the HumbleK9 family. I was at a point with my guy, Tucker, where I was unsure if I could ever be the right leader and companion for him. He’s an anxious pup and gets reactive easily. After several trainers and, after 2 years of hard work with Tucker, I felt completely lost and reached out to my rescue to discuss options.

When I was referred to HumbleK9, I told myself that if this didn’t work out, I’d have to find Tucker a new home. I left my introductory session with John and throughout Tucker’s time with his team, I more confident than ever in helping set a foundation for Tucker and I to succeed.

Today, we are better than we’ve ever been and our relationship and training continues to evolve in a positive way. HumbleK9 has been there for us even after Tuckers stay for constant advice and check-ins. 5 PAWS (stars)!

As first time dog parents with an 8 month old American Pitbull Terrier, we took many obedience classes, taught our good boy to “follow commands” nearly flawlessly. He was very “obedient”… until there was another dog present. At that point, all of the “sit, down, focus” commands went unheard and I needed more help! I couldn’t walk him without fear of seeing another dog because he would pull, lunge, twist and flip uncontrollably! I turned to Facebook for help, and an old friend reached out. John said “hey, this is what I do!!”, and that’s when I found HumbleK9!! He heard desperation in my voice and Right away, over the phone, he taught me how to exercise patience to make sure Domino was in a calm state of mind before we left the house, then we met with John and he observed my pup and assured me that he wasn’t trying to kill everything he saw (as one trainer told me was the case) he was just really over excited, but most importantly, he helped me to see that it was MY anxiety fueling Domino’s reactions. He worked with both of us teaching me how to use the tools we have, such as the kennel, to teach Domino that he wasn’t responsible for protecting me when my anxiety started to spike. Now, it is 3 years later, and because I am more confident, Domino shows “almost” no reactivity at all: when he sees another dog now he will show some interest but will continue to walk on by. Now we have learned to work together so that he can alert me to my anxiety rising, comfort me when I let him and as a result, I have learned to control my own anxiety response better. We even take him camping and he loves to relax and watch all the other dogs walking by. Not only have I learned to work with my dog, but my mental health has improved immeasurably, and I know that wouldn’t have happened so cohesively without the expertise and insight of John and HumbleK9! We are so grateful for them everyday!

I met John from HumbleK9 over 7 years ago when I first adopted my dog Lucky. Lucky was lunging and chasing cars, bikes, skateboards, horses, other dogs, and going nuts inside the house when anything was going on outside. I had tried two other trainers, but their methods didn’t feel right to me. When John came over for the initial consultation, he immediately put me at ease. He helped me learn to be calm so that Lucky could regulate her own excitement. He taught me to be the leader that Lucky needs. We started seeing positive results the first week. As we continued to work with HumbleK9 Lucky became the calm, balanced dog that she deserves to be. With the guidance of HumbleK9 my confidence handling dogs (and really all life situations) has soared. I now feel confident handling dogs at the animal shelter and foster dogs that are settling into their new homes.

A dog momma herself, Bri is organized and great at communicating with clients and understanding the love we have for our pets. I cannot say enough about how wonderful John, Bri, Eleanor and the entire Humble K9 family are. When you become a client, you become family and they show it in their care for you and your pet(s). I love, trust and respect the humans of HumbleK9 100 % (and I adore their dogs too)